Essie Mae Finley was born on March 21, 1956, to Eunice Finley and Ardis Finley, Sr. She was raised in Monroe, Louisiana, and later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Harper High School. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Finley; father, Ardis Finley, Sr.; and two brothers, Edward Finley and Ardis Finley, Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: two sons, Rodrick Finley and Julius Jackson; three daughters, Carla Finley (Percy), Sarah Jackson (Frank), and Eunice Jackson; ten brothers, James Finley, William Finley (Linda), Scott Brady Finley, Vincent Ware, Darryl Ware, Lushaun Ware, Arrick Ware, and Carl Jr., all of Monroe, Louisiana, and Allen Chester Finley (Dorothy) and Je ery Finley, both of Chicago, Illinois; seven sisters, Cheryl Baldwin ( omas), Valerie (Irby), Dawn Finley, and Rose Finley, all of Chicago, Illinois, and Karen Ware, Marilyn, and Doris, all of Monroe, Louisiana; twentyeight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She also leaves behind Henry Dillard, a long-time companion who was like a husband. He loved, took care of, and supported her, and he was there until the end. We love and appreciate him.